EP3982040A1 - Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant - Google Patents

Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3982040A1
EP3982040A1 EP20201140.9A EP20201140A EP3982040A1 EP 3982040 A1 EP3982040 A1 EP 3982040A1 EP 20201140 A EP20201140 A EP 20201140A EP 3982040 A1 EP3982040 A1 EP 3982040A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
optical fibre
light source
lighting apparatus
fibre
collimated light
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20201140.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Desiree MONTI
Michele Antonipieri
Daniele PETRIS
Stefano CENGARLE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Marelli Automotive Lighting Italy SpA
Original Assignee
Marelli Automotive Lighting Italy SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Marelli Automotive Lighting Italy SpA filed Critical Marelli Automotive Lighting Italy SpA
Priority to EP20201140.9A priority Critical patent/EP3982040A1/fr
Priority to EP20203958.2A priority patent/EP3839332B1/fr
Priority to US17/125,334 priority patent/US11465551B2/en
Priority to KR1020200178687A priority patent/KR20210081272A/ko
Priority to JP2020210126A priority patent/JP2021178626A/ja
Priority to CN202011519146.9A priority patent/CN113007632A/zh
Publication of EP3982040A1 publication Critical patent/EP3982040A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/70—Prevention of harmful light leakage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q11/00—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00
    • B60Q11/005—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00 for lighting devices, e.g. indicating if lamps are burning or not
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/16—Laser light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
    • F21S43/237—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide rod-shaped
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
    • F21S43/245—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/247—Light guides with a single light source being coupled into the light guide

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automotive lighting apparatus and the control method thereof.
  • the present invention relates to a headlight or taillight for cars and similar vehicles, i.e. a lighting apparatus adapted to be incorporated in a motor vehicle with the function of signalling the position, the sudden deceleration and/or the turning direction, and/or with the function of lighting the area surrounding the vehicle.
  • a lighting apparatus adapted to be incorporated in a motor vehicle with the function of signalling the position, the sudden deceleration and/or the turning direction, and/or with the function of lighting the area surrounding the vehicle.
  • the taillights for cars and the like generally comprise: a rigid and substantially basin-shaped rear body, which is structured so as to be stably recessed into a compartment specially realized in the rear part of the bodywork of the vehicle; a front half-shell which is arranged to close the mouth of the rear body so as to surface outside the bodywork of the vehicle, and is generally provided with a plurality of transparent or semi-transparent sectors, usually with a colour different from one another; and a series of lighting assemblies that are located inside the rear body, each immediately beneath a respective transparent or semi-transparent sector of the front half-shell, so as to be able to selectively backlight the overlying transparent or semi-transparent sector of the front half-shell.
  • each transparent or semi-transparent sector of the front half-shell is moreover uniquely associated with a specific light signal adapted to signal the position of the vehicle, the sudden deceleration of the vehicle or the turning direction of the vehicle during travel.
  • Each lighting assembly therefore, is specifically structured to emit, on command, a light beam that, once coming out from the taillight through the corresponding transparent or semi-transparent sector of the half-shell, meets the approval specifications (colour and light distribution) required for a corresponding light signal.
  • the lighting assemblies that have to backlight the single transparent or semi-transparent ribbon-like sectors of the front half-shell usually comprise: a light-guide bar which is made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or other photoconductive material and extends inside the rear body skimming over the ribbon-like sector to be backlit, substantially for the entire length of the same sector; and one or more high-power LEDs (acronym for Light Emitting Diode) that are fixed on a small printed circuit board which, in turn, is placed inside the rear body, close to at least one of the two ends of the light-guide bar, so that the LED(s) abut on the end of the light-guide bar and can direct the light directly into the body of the light-guide bar.
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • the light-guide bar in fact, is notoriously a hard and rigid, but relatively fragile, monolithic body thus it must be inserted into the rear body with due care.
  • the or both ends of the light-guide bar must be perfectly aligned with the LEDs to avoid light leaks, and this contributes in lengthening the assembly time of the headlight.
  • the high-power LED(s) have been replaced by a small laser emitter which is mechanically coupled to one of the two ends of the radially emitting optical fibre by means of a fixing ferrule, which holds the end of the optical fibre in place in front of the laser emitter.
  • the laser beam emitted by the laser emitter of the headlight in fact, generally has such an intensity that it can irreparably damage the human eye, and a broken and free-to-move optical fibre theoretically could accidentally direct the laser light outside the light, towards the eye of a person stationary inside the vehicle or in the immediate nearby of the vehicle, with the physical damage that this entails.
  • Aim of the present invention is to increase the active safety, the stability and the operation reliability of the new lighting assemblies that use optical fibres to backlight the front half-shell of the taillight.
  • an automotive lighting apparatus as defined in Claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any one of the claims depending on it.
  • number 1 denotes as a whole a lighting apparatus for automotive use, i.e. a lighting apparatus adapted to be mounted in a motor vehicle.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 is preferably an automotive light, i.e. a lighting device particularly adapted to be placed on the front or rear part of the bodywork of a motor vehicle, with the function of emitting light signals adapted to signal the position of the vehicle and/or the sudden deceleration of the vehicle and/or the turning direction of the vehicle during travel.
  • automotive light i.e. a lighting device particularly adapted to be placed on the front or rear part of the bodywork of a motor vehicle, with the function of emitting light signals adapted to signal the position of the vehicle and/or the sudden deceleration of the vehicle and/or the turning direction of the vehicle during travel.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 is adapted to be fixed to the front or rear part of the bodywork of a car, van, truck, motorcycle or other similar motor vehicle, to perform the function of a headlight or taillight.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 is preferably structured to be stably recessed in the rear part of the bodywork of a car or other similar motor vehicle.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 is preferably a taillight for cars and the like.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 could also be structured so as to be simply fixed cantilevered on the rear part of the bodywork of the vehicle (not shown).
  • the lighting apparatus 1 firstly comprises: a substantially rigid and preferably made of plastic material, rear body 2 which is adapted to be firmly fixed to the vehicle; and a substantially rigid and preferably made of plastic material, front half-shell 3, traditionally called a lens, which is arranged to close the mouth of rear shell 2, preferably so as to be able to surface outside the bodywork of the vehicle.
  • the rear body 2 is preferably substantially basin-shaped, and is preferably structured so as to be at least partially recessed into a seat specially made in the rear part of the bodywork of the vehicle (not shown) .
  • rear body 2 could also be structured so as to be simply fixed cantilevered on the rear part of the bodywork of the vehicle (not shown).
  • the lighting device 1 moreover comprises one or more electrically-powered lighting assemblies that emit light on command and are located inside the rear body 2, each beneath a respective transparent or semi-transparent sector of front half-shell 3, so as to be able to selectively backlight the overlying transparent or semi-transparent sector of front half-shell 3.
  • the rear body 2 is preferably made of an opaque plastic material, preferably via an injection moulding process.
  • the front half-shell 3 is preferably made of a transparent or semi-transparent plastic material, such as for example polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), also in this case preferably via an injection moulding process.
  • a transparent or semi-transparent plastic material such as for example polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), also in this case preferably via an injection moulding process.
  • the lighting apparatus 1 is preferably provided with a plurality of electrically-powered lighting assemblies, each of which is located inside the rear body 2 in a position such as to be able to backlight only the overlying and corresponding transparent or semi-transparent sector of front half-shell 3, preferably separately and independently from the other lighting assemblies of the lighting apparatus.
  • At least one of the lighting assemblies moreover comprises: a laser light source 5 which is placed inside the rear body 2 and is capable of emitting, on command, a laser beam r (i.e. an extremely concentrated and collimated, coherent and monochromatic light beam); and an optical fibre 6 of given length and preferably with a flexible filiform structure, which extends inside the rear body 2 and has one of its two ends, hereinafter called proximal end, faced and optically coupled to the laser light source 5 so that the laser beam r emitted by the laser light source 5 can freely enter into the optical fibre 6 and travel inside it.
  • a laser light source 5 which is placed inside the rear body 2 and is capable of emitting, on command, a laser beam r (i.e. an extremely concentrated and collimated, coherent and monochromatic light beam); and an optical fibre 6 of given length and preferably with a flexible filiform structure, which extends inside the rear body 2 and has one of its two ends, hereinafter called proximal end, faced and optically coupled to the
  • the lighting assembly 4 moreover comprises an electronic control unit 7 that commands the laser light source 5, and is preferably placed inside the rear body 2, optionally close to the bottom of the same rear body 2.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is adapted to activate and deactivate the laser light source 5 on the basis of an external command signal.
  • the external command signal commands the emission of the laser beam r.
  • the optical fibre 6, in addition, is specifically structured so as to be able to gradually diffuse outwards, preferably substantially along its entire length, the laser light that travels inside itself.
  • the optical fibre 6 is a radially emitting optical fibre.
  • the optical fibre 6 has a proximal end 6a and a distal end 6b, opposite to the proximal end 6a.
  • the laser light source 5 is arranged inside the rear body 2, facing the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6, and is adapted to emit, on command and towards the proximal end 6a, a laser beam r that enters and travels inside the optical fibre 6, towards the distal end 6b.
  • the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 is arranged spaced in front of the emitter of laser light source 5, at a distance d from the emitter of laser light source 5 preferably lower than or equal to 0,5 mm (millimetres) and more conveniently ranging between 0,1 and 0,3 mm (millimetres).
  • the optical fibre 6, in turn, is specifically structured to channel the entering laser light towards its own distal end 6b, simultaneously and progressively diffusing, outside of the same optical fibre 6 and substantially in a radial direction, a predetermined percentage of the laser light as the light travels inside the same optical fibre 6.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is programmed /configured so as to autonomously deactivate the laser light source 5 to interrupt/prevent the emission of the laser beam r, when the ratio between the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside of the optical fibre 6, at the proximal end 6a of the fibre, and the intensity of the light coming out from the distal end 6b of the fibre, deviates from a predetermined reference value.
  • the front half-shell 3 preferably has at least one transparent or semi-transparent sector 3a (two sectors in the example shown) with a narrow and elongated shape, i.e. substantially ribbon-like.
  • the lighting assembly 4 adapted selectively to backlight the/each transparent or semi-transparent ribbon-like sector 3a of front half-shell 3, preferably comprises: a radially emitting optical fibre 6 that extends inside the rear shell 2 so that at least a portion/segment of the optical fibre is locally substantially skimmed over the ribbon-like sector 3a to be backlit, preferably substantially for the entire length of the ribbon-like sector 3a; and an electrically-powered laser light source 5 which is capable of emitting, on command, a laser beam r and is placed inside the rear body 2 directly facing and aligned to the proximal end 6a of the optical fibre 6, so that the laser beam r exiting from the emitter of the laser light source 5 can freely enter into the optical fibre 6 through said proximal end 6a.
  • the optical fibre 6 moreover has an external diameter lower than 5 mm (millimetres) and more conveniently lower than 1,2 mm (millimetres).
  • the optical fibre 6 is preferably also sustained/supported by a rigid bearing structure, which is integral with rear body 2 and is preferably made of plastic material.
  • the optical fibre 6 is preferably fixed on the front lateral side of a rigid and preferably made of opaque plastic material, support plate 8 which is arranged inside the rear body 2 with its front side directly facing the front half-shell 3, or rather to the corresponding ribbon-like sector 3a preferably substantially for the entire length of the same ribbon-like sector 3a, and with its rear side facing the bottom of rear body 2.
  • the support plate 8 could also protrude cantilevered manner from the bottom of rear body 2.
  • the lighting assembly 4 preferably also comprises centring and fixing mechanical members 9, which are adapted to rigidly connect the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 to the laser light source 5, or rather to the emitter of laser light source 5, and which are structured so as to stably keep the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 centred and stationary in front of the emitter of laser light source 5.
  • the centring and fixing members 9 are preferably structured so as to keep the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 stationary in front of the emitter of the laser light source 5, at a distance d from the emitter lower than 0,5 mm (millimetres) and preferably ranging between 0,1 and 0,3 mm (millimetres).
  • the centring and fixing members 9 are preferably structured so as to stably keep the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 at a distance d from the emitter of the laser light source 5 ranging between 0,2 and 0,25 mm (millimetres).
  • the lighting assembly 4 preferably also comprises: at least one proximal photometric sensor 10 which is arranged next to the emitter of laser light source 5, so as to capture/detect the laser light which is reflected/dispersed outside of the optical fibre 6 when the laser beam r enters the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6; and at least one distal photometric sensor 11 which is placed in front of the distal end 6b of optical fibre 6, and is adapted to capture/detect the laser light exiting from the distal end 6b of optical fibre 6.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is adapted to command the laser light source 5 additionally on the basis of the signals coming from the proximal 10 and the distal 11 photometric sensors.
  • the lighting assembly 4 preferably comprises: the radially emitting optical fibre 6; the laser light source 5 which is adapted to selectively direct, towards the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6, a laser beam r which enters and travels inside the optical fibre 6; at least one proximal photometric sensor 10 which is arranged next to the laser light source 5, so as to capture/detect the light reflected/dispersed on entering into the optical fibre 6; at least one distal photometric sensor 11 which is placed in front of the distal end 6b of the optical fibre 6, and is adapted to capture/detect the light exiting from the distal end 6b of optical fibre 6; and the electronic control unit 7 which is adapted to command the laser light source 5 on the basis of the signals coming from photometric sensors 10 and 11.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is programmed/configured so as to autonomously deactivate the laser light source 5 to interrupt/prevent the emission of the laser beam r, when the ratio between the intensity of the laser light detected by the proximal photometric sensor 10 and the intensity of the laser light detected by the distal photometric sensor 11 deviates from said predetermined reference value.
  • this reference value is moreover stored inside the electronic control unit 7.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is programmed/configured so as to activate and deactivate the laser light source 5 on the basis of the external command signal.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is additionally programmed/configured so as to automatically deactivate the laser light source 5 when the ratio between the intensity of the laser light detected by the proximal photometric sensor 10 and the intensity of the laser light detected by the distal photometric sensor 11 moves outside a predetermined tolerance interval which is astride said reference value, and is preferably also substantially centred on said reference value.
  • said reference value is a constructive parameter which is a function of the structural characteristics of the optical fibre 6, such as for example the length of the optical fibre and/or the radial emittance/dispersion coefficient of the optical fibre.
  • the lighting assembly 4 moreover has at least one temperature sensor 12 which is adapted to continuously detect the temperature of the laser light source 5, or rather of the emitter of laser light source 5.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is preferably also connected to the temperature sensor 12, and is adapted to amplify the signal coming from the proximal photometric sensor 10 and/or the signal coming from the distal photometric sensor 11 as a function of the current temperature of the laser light source 5, or rather of the emitter of the laser light source 5.
  • electronic control unit 7 is preferably programmed/configured so as to increase the power/intensity of the signal coming from the proximal photometric sensor 10 and/or the power/intensity of the signal coming from the distal photometric sensor 11 as the temperature reached by the laser light source 5 increases, or rather by the emitter of the laser light source 5 increases.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is preferably programmed/configured so as to automatically deactivate the laser light source 5 when the ratio between the intensity of the laser light detected by the proximal photometric sensor 10 and the intensity of the laser light detected by the distal photometric sensor 11 moves away/deviates by at least 10% from said reference value.
  • the tolerance interval preferably has a width equal to 20% of said reference value, and is preferably also centred on the same reference value.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is preferably also programmed/configured so as to amplify, as the temperature from the laser light source 5 increases and substantially with the same gain, both the signal coming from the proximal photometric sensor 10, and the signal coming from the distal photometric sensor 11 or rather from the emitter of the laser light source 5.
  • the laser light source 5 preferably comprises: a LASER diode 13 which is adapted to emit the laser beam; and a driving module 14 that powers and/or controls the LASER diode 13.
  • LASER diode 13 is the emitter of the laser light source 5.
  • the lighting assembly 4 is preferably provided with at least two proximal photometric sensors 10 that are arranged next to the emitter of laser light source 5, or rather next to the LASER diode 13, on opposite sides of the emitter and preferably in a substantially specular position with respect to the latter.
  • the distance between the emitter of the laser light source 5, or rather the LASER diode 13, and the two proximal photometric sensors 10 is preferably lower than or equal to 10 mm (millimetres), and more conveniently ranging between 1 and 8 mm (millimetres).
  • proximal photometric sensor(s) 10 and the laser light source 5, or rather the emitter of the laser light source 5, is/are also placed/fixed one next to the other, on a small printed circuit board 15 which, in turn, is placed/fixed inside the rear body 2 of the lighting apparatus, close to the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6.
  • the temperature sensor 12 in addition, is preferably located on the printed circuit board 15, in contact with or in any case close to the emitter of the laser light source 5, or rather of the LASER diode 13.
  • the photometric sensors 10 and/or 11 are preferably photodiodes.
  • the LASER diode 13 is preferably a red or RGB LASER diode capable of emitting a laser beam with variable power and/or colour on command.
  • the reference value for the automatic switch-off of the laser light source 5 can also be a function of the colour of the laser beam r emitted by the laser light source 5.
  • the electronic control unit 7 comprises a microprocessor 16 which receives at input the external command signal and the signals coming from the photometric sensors 10 and 11, and is adapted to command the driving module 14 of laser light source 5 as a function of these signals.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/configured so as to command to the driving module 14 to activate/power the LASER diode 13, and therefore to emit the laser beam r, only when the external command signal requires the lighting assembly 4 to be switched on.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably also programmed/configured so as to order the driving module 14 to immediately switch off/deactivate the LASER diode 13 when the ratio between the intensity of the light reflected/ dispersed outside the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre, and the intensity of the light exiting from the distal end 6b of the fibre, deviates excessively from said predetermined reference value.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/configured so as to order the driving module 14 to immediately switch off/deactivate the LASER diode 13 when the ratio existing between the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre and the intensity of the light emanating from the distal end 6b of the fibre deviates from said reference value by an amount greater than a limit threshold preferably equal to 10% of the reference value.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/configured so as to determine, continuously or cyclically, the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside of the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre on the basis of the signals coming from the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10; and to determine, continuously or cyclically, the intensity of the light emanating from the distal end 6b of the fibre on the basis of the signals coming from the distal photometric sensor 11.
  • the microprocessor 16 After determining the current value of the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre and the current value of the intensity of the light emanating from the distal end 6b of the fibre, the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/ configured so as to calculate the ratio that currently exists between the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre, and the intensity of the light emanating from the distal end 6b of the fibre.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/ configured so as to order the driving module 14 to immediately switch off/deactivate the LASER diode 13, if the difference between the reference value and the momentary value of the ratio between the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside of the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a of the fibre, and the intensity of the light emanating from the distal end 6b of the fibre exceeds said limit threshold.
  • the electronic control unit 7 additionally comprises, for each photometric sensor 10 and 11, also a signal amplifier 17 that is interposed between the microprocessor 16 and the corresponding photometric sensor 10, 11 and is adapted to amplify (i.e. increase the power/intensity of the signal) the signal directed towards the microprocessor 16.
  • the microprocessor 16 receives at input also the signal coming from the temperature sensor 12, and is preferably adapted to command the signal amplifiers 17 as a function of this signal.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/configured so as to adjust the gain of the signal amplifiers 17 as a function of the signals coming from the temperature sensor 12.
  • the microprocessor 16 is preferably programmed/configured so as to increase the gain of the signal amplifiers 17 as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 increases.
  • the mechanical centring and fixing members 9 preferably comprise: a rigid and preferably made of plastic or metallic material, support socket 20 which is stably fixed on the printed circuit board 13 so as to extend as a bridge over the emitter of the laser light source 5, or rather over the LASER diode 13, and over the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10; and a ferrule connector 21 preferably made of metallic material, which is adapted to be fitted and firmly locked onto the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6, locally coaxial to the optical fibre 6.
  • the ferrule connector 21 is adapted to be screwed onto a threaded portion of support socket 20 that is locally aligned to the emitter of the laser light source 5, or rather to the LASER diode 13, so as to arrange the proximal end 6a of optical fibre 6 spaced over the emitter of the laser light source 5, locally coaxial and at the distance d from the emitter of the laser light source 5, or rather from the LASER diode 13.
  • the electronic control unit 7 activates and deactivates the laser light source 5 on the basis of the external command signal.
  • the intensity of the laser light reflected back towards the laser light source 5 is minimal, and has a value proportional to the power of the laser beam r generated by the laser light source 5.
  • the intensity of the laser light reflected back towards the laser light source 5 remains substantially constant as long as the optical fibre 6 is perfectly aligned and coupled to the emitter of laser light source 5.
  • any variation of the position of the proximal end 6a of the optical fibre 6 with respect to the ideal position causes a variation in the intensity of the laser light detected by any one of the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10.
  • any variation in the light energy detected by the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10 is indicative of the breakage of the optical fibre 6, of the incorrect positioning of the optical fibre 6 with respect to the laser light source 5, perhaps due to the occurred breakage of the lighting apparatus 1, or to the incorrect optical assembly/coupling of the optical fibre 6 to the laser light source 5.
  • the distal photometric sensor 11 detects the intensity of the laser light exiting from the distal end 6b of the optical fibre 6. If the optical fibre 6 and the laser light source 5 are correctly dimensioned, the optical energy that reaches the distal end 6b of the optical fibre and is dispersed outside the optical fibre is minimal, but is still present.
  • the intensity of the laser light exiting from the distal end 6b of the optical fibre is in any case proportional to the power of the laser beam r emitted by the laser light source 5.
  • any variation of the light energy detected by the distal photometric sensor 11 is indicative of the breakage of the optical fibre 6, or of the incorrect positioning of the optical fibre 6 on the relative support structure, or rather on the side of support plate 8, probably due to the occurred breakage of the lighting apparatus.
  • the electronic control unit 7 is programmed/configured so as to activate and deactivate the laser light source 5 on the basis of the external command signal.
  • control unit 7 is programmed/ configured to implement a control method that comprises the steps of:
  • the determination of the intensity of the light reflected/dispersed outside of the optical fibre 6 at the proximal end 6a additionally takes place by means of the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10.
  • the determination of the intensity of the light exiting from the distal end 6b of the optical fibre 6, on the other hand takes place by means of the distal photometric sensor(s) 11.
  • the control method implemented by the electronic control unit 7 basically provides for the steps of:
  • the limit threshold beyond which the automatic deactivation/switching off of the laser light source 5 takes place is preferably equal to 10% of the reference value.
  • the electronic control unit 7 prevents, after an occurred breakage or malfunction of the lighting apparatus 1, the laser beam r exiting from the laser light source 5 from causing damages to property and/or people
  • control method implemented by the electronic control unit 7 additionally also includes the step of measuring the temperature of the laser light source 5, or rather of the emitter of laser light source 5, and the step of amplifying the signals coming from the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10 and/or from the distal photometric sensor(s) 11 as a function of the temperature of the laser light source 5.
  • control method provides for increasing the power/intensity of the signals coming from the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10 and/or from the distal photometric sensor (s) 11 as the temperature of the laser light source 5, or rather of the emitter of the laser light source 5, increases. In this way there are compensated the variations of signals coming from the proximal photometric sensor(s) 10 and/or from the distal photometric sensor(s) 11 due to the temperature variations of the laser light source 5.
  • the lighting assembly 4 thus configured prevents the laser beam from being accidentally directed outside of the lighting apparatus 1 in the event of a broken or badly arranged optical fibre 6.
  • the presence of the photometric sensors 10 and 11 makes it possible to promptly block the emission of the laser beam in the event of a broken or badly arranged optical fibre 6, thus enormously increasing the active safety of the lighting assembly 4.
  • both quantities vary according to the power of the laser beam r generated by the laser light source 5.
  • the deactivation of laser light source 5 is therefore not affected by unexpected fluctuations in the power of the laser beam, due to the intensity of the electric current circulating at that moment in the emitter of the laser light source, to the temperature reached by the emitter of the laser light source and/or to the decay of the laser beam power owing to the age of the laser light source.
  • the deactivation of the laser light source 5 is no longer affected by the performance differences due to laser light sources 5 coming from different batches or manufacturers, greatly simplifying the manufacturing of lighting apparatus 1.
  • the laser light source 5 of lighting assembly 4 could be replaced by a high-power LED and by an optical collimator that is placed over the LED and is adapted to collimate the light rays emitted by the LED into a collimated light beam (i.e. a set of collimated light rays in the same direction) directed towards the proximal end 6a of the radially emitting optical fibre 5.
  • a collimated light beam i.e. a set of collimated light rays in the same direction
  • the laser light source 5 is replaced by a LED collimated light source.
EP20201140.9A 2019-12-20 2020-10-09 Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant Pending EP3982040A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20201140.9A EP3982040A1 (fr) 2020-10-09 2020-10-09 Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant
EP20203958.2A EP3839332B1 (fr) 2019-12-20 2020-10-26 Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant
US17/125,334 US11465551B2 (en) 2019-12-20 2020-12-17 Automotive lighting apparatus and relative control method
KR1020200178687A KR20210081272A (ko) 2019-12-20 2020-12-18 차량 조명 장치 및 관련 제어 방법
JP2020210126A JP2021178626A (ja) 2019-12-20 2020-12-18 自動車用照明器具及び関連する制御方法
CN202011519146.9A CN113007632A (zh) 2019-12-20 2020-12-21 汽车照明装置及相关控制方法

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20201140.9A EP3982040A1 (fr) 2020-10-09 2020-10-09 Appareil d'éclairage d'automobile et procédé de commande correspondant

Publications (1)

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EP3982040A1 true EP3982040A1 (fr) 2022-04-13

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CN114992576A (zh) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-02 江苏恒瑞车灯有限公司 一种汽车车灯光传导装置及汽车车灯

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US20110084609A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-14 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Illumination device, automotive lighting equipment, and vehicle
KR20160012467A (ko) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-03 에스엘 주식회사 차량용 램프의 제어장치
DE102015209013A1 (de) * 2015-05-18 2016-12-08 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Generierung von Effektlicht
DE102016210363A1 (de) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Audi Ag Beleuchtungseinrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug, Kraftfahrzeug mit Beleuchtungseinrichtung und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung
EP3385612A1 (fr) * 2017-04-05 2018-10-10 Mafelec Dispositif lumineux, appareil de signalisation et procede de diagnostic et/ou d'asservissement
DE102018100410B3 (de) * 2018-01-10 2019-05-23 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Lichtmodul mit einer Laserlichtquelle und Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem solchen Lichtmodul

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US20110084609A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-14 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Illumination device, automotive lighting equipment, and vehicle
KR20160012467A (ko) * 2014-07-24 2016-02-03 에스엘 주식회사 차량용 램프의 제어장치
DE102015209013A1 (de) * 2015-05-18 2016-12-08 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Generierung von Effektlicht
DE102016210363A1 (de) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Audi Ag Beleuchtungseinrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug, Kraftfahrzeug mit Beleuchtungseinrichtung und Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung
EP3385612A1 (fr) * 2017-04-05 2018-10-10 Mafelec Dispositif lumineux, appareil de signalisation et procede de diagnostic et/ou d'asservissement
DE102018100410B3 (de) * 2018-01-10 2019-05-23 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Lichtmodul mit einer Laserlichtquelle und Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem solchen Lichtmodul

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114992576A (zh) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-02 江苏恒瑞车灯有限公司 一种汽车车灯光传导装置及汽车车灯
CN114992576B (zh) * 2022-06-20 2023-06-27 江苏恒瑞车灯有限公司 一种汽车车灯光传导装置及汽车车灯

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